The 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival Honors, an event celebrating cinematic achievements and emerging talent, is scheduled for broadcast this evening on PBS SoCal. This prestigious program will spotlight Variety's selection of "10 Actors to Watch" and will feature the presentation of the esteemed Legends and Groundbreakers Award to Scarlett Johansson. Recorded in October at the picturesque Balboa Bay Resort, the event also includes insightful speeches and interviews with other distinguished honorees, including cinematic icons like Mark Hamill, rising star Noah Schnapp, and the acclaimed actress Diane Lane. Viewers can catch the broadcast at 7:30 p.m. PT or stream the full program on the PBS SoCal website.
A significant highlight of the festival is the recognition of "Variety's 10 Actors to Watch," a list that has historically predicted future Oscar nominees and winners, counting talents such as Mahershala Ali, Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet, and Brie Larson among its alumni. This year\u2019s honorees include Chase Infiniti, who shared her transformative experience of working alongside industry legends, emphasizing the value of treating every moment as a master class. Similarly, Miles Caton, a breakout star from "Sinners," expressed his surprise and gratitude for the warm reception of his film debut, noting his unexpected journey into acting from a background in music. Mari Yamamoto also shared a touching anecdote about her "Rental Family" co-star Brendan Fraser, highlighting his unwavering support and dedication, which deeply inspired her personal and professional aspirations. The event also celebrated other promising actors like Milly Alcock, Ella Anderson, Edmund Donovan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Jay Lycurgo, Guillaume Marbeck, and Tonatiuh. Additionally, past honorees such as Tessa Thompson, Jenny Slate, and Kerry Condon were recognized for their outstanding contributions, with Condon's speech reflecting on her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a celebrated career.
The festival also paid tribute to a host of Icon Award recipients, including Brendan Fraser, Diane Lane, and Mark Hamill. Hamill reflected on his revitalized career, admitting he once thought his acting journey was nearing a quiet end, only to find himself in high demand once again. Furthermore, Steven Gaydos, a long-serving former editor at Variety, received the Arts Champion Award, humorously reminiscing about his own audition for the role of Luke Skywalker and expressing immense gratitude for Hamill's iconic portrayal. The evening culminated with Scarlett Johansson accepting Variety\u2019s Legends and Groundbreakers Award, where she passionately spoke about paving new paths for women in film direction and advocating for greater visibility and encouragement for aspiring female filmmakers, underscoring the importance of collective progress in the industry. The festival stands as a beacon for artistic achievement, fostering both emerging talent and honoring the enduring legacies of cinema\u2019s greats, reminding us of the profound impact of storytelling and the dedication of those who bring it to life.